Leaving a lasting good impression in phone interviews for a job in the UAE can sometimes be difficult, so here’s how you can ace them.
8 May 2023
| Last updated on 17 November 2023An interview over the phone is usually the first step to getting your foot in the door and being invited for a face-to-face interview...
Therefore, it’s something that should be taken seriously.
In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates in the UAE, the majority of companies will start the process with a phone interview before shortlisting you. Unlike in-person interviews, phone ones don’t allow you the advantage of body language and facial expressions to help get the right message across. However, they could be less stressful.
Here are some tips to help make sure you’re confident and make the best out of your phone interview to secure the job you want.
1. Create cheat notes
Take advantage of the fact that your interviewer cannot see you. Use any resources that might help you make an even better impression.
Prepare some notes about the company, the role and answers to possible questions you anticipate.
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Having such notes in front of you can help you be more engaged, especially if you blank out.
2. Prepare yourself beforehand
A few minutes before your interview, make sure to prepare yourself. You have to be in a quiet place with no distractions. It’s best to find a proper chair in front of a desk where you can put your notes.
Don’t treat it like just any phone call that you can take while slouching on your couch or while doing something else at the same time.
3. Turn off all notifications
Getting interrupted mid-interview can throw you off completely. So make sure to turn off any notifications or call waiting that might come through while you’re in a call.
Also, simply shut off your phone’s internet connectivity. The last thing you want is having to tell your interviewer to wait so you can check your notifications.
4. Take notes
During the call, make sure to take down any important points on a notepad, paper, tablet, etc. You might think you’ll remember everything after the call, but it’s very common for the stress to make people forget.
SEE ALSO: 5 Questions Not to Answer During Interviews in the UAE
If you have any questions that pop up in your head throughout the interview, also jot them down so you don’t forget to ask them at the end.
5. Watch your posture
This is not normally something you’ll think about, but studies have proven that sitting up straight with your chest out will be reflected in your tone and voice. Therefore, your voice will sound different if you’re just slouching comfortably than if you were sitting upright in a chair.
Also, it’s easy to tell if someone is smiling throughout a phone conversation, so smile when relevant during the conversation.